Literary notes about Helpful (AI summary)
In literature, "helpful" is often employed as both a descriptor of beneficial qualities and as an indicator of practical function. In moral and social contexts, it conveys a sense of virtue and reliability—for instance, characters who support others through friendship or guidance ([1], [2], [3]). At the same time, the term is used to signify the utility of objects, ideas, or methods, as when tools or techniques are described as essential supports in challenging situations ([4], [5], [6]). Even in more abstract or philosophical reflections, "helpful" underscores contributions that ease understanding or lend strength to human endeavors ([7], [8], [9]). This dual usage illustrates how the word merges ethical warmth with pragmatic efficiency throughout various literary works.
- His poverty, however, did not prevent him from forming many helpful friendships with his fellow-students.
— from Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I by Edmund Spenser - I rather miss my wild girl; but if I get a strong, helpful, tender-hearted woman in her place, I shall feel quite satisfied.
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott - While we are fascinated by the story, we absorb the human experience through which a strong and helpful character is building.
— from Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin - As yet my iron crowbar was the most helpful thing I had chanced upon.
— from The Time Machine by H. G. Wells - Compression is particularly helpful when sending or receiving text, for example news stories and messages in conferences.
— from The Online World by Odd De Presno - We cannot entertain the conception of a world in which knowledge of its past would not be helpful in forecasting and giving meaning to its future.
— from Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education by John Dewey - Here our comparison of languages may be helpful.
— from A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud - While heading the profit of my counsel, avail yourself also of any helpful circumstances over and beyond the ordinary rules.
— from The Art of War by active 6th century B.C. Sunzi - If I can be helpful to the captain, he can use me any way he wants."
— from Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas: An Underwater Tour of the World by Jules Verne
